Which engine would you choose?

[Wanted33]

I have the 3.6 and love it. Plenty of power, less complicated and love filling up with regular gas. The 8 sp tranny is a 10+.

I have been surprised by the 3.6L with the 8 spd. The way I drive it's been a very good combo for me. And, I'm quite impressed with the mpg's. Better than I thought they would be.

OP, I suggest you test drive both if possible. We can give you info on what/why we bought the engine in our Jeeps, but you are the only one that an decide which you like best.

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[ViperJon]

To complicate the decision of which engine to get, you might want to wait for the EcoDiesel which is supposed to be available for the 2020 JLU Wranglers.

But stay away from that 4 Cylinder Turbo. What I find disturbing is that cooling lines are running under the floor to the booster, I think the 48V battery to be more specific. I don't know how well those lines are protected. But I bet those lines are expensive and time consuming to install.

So you're urging someone to stay away from it, but know nothing about the physical setup or their intended use for the vehicle. Just have a feeling about it? Insightful.

 

[StammesOpfer]

I went with the 2.0L but I also snuck in under the wire and got the lifetime warranty. Otherwise I would have bought the 3.6L since I plan on keeping this a long time. Hopefully the 2.0L proves to be a good reliable engine but it is certainly more complex and less proven than the 3.6L.

 

[offset_98]

From the turbo 2.0 in my Eagle Talon TSI AWD to the turbo 2.3 in my wife's CX7, I've not had good luck with small turbocharged engines pushing heavier vehicles. I went 3.6 w/ 6MT. Felt like a safer bet.

 

[TXJeepScientist]

So you're urging someone to stay away from it, but know nothing about the physical setup or their intended use for the vehicle. Just have a feeling about it? Insightful.

Viper, what engine would you recommend or not? And why?

For me after seeing pictures of the Turbo and the cooling lines, it had me wondering. Being an engineer on military aircraft does make me err on the side of caution. So I hope you understand my feelings.

BTW, Dadgummit just gave a great justification for the Turbo.

 

[TXJeepScientist]

From the turbo 2.0 in my Eagle Talon TSI AWD to the turbo 2.3 in my wife's CX7, I've not had good luck with small turbocharged engines pushing heavier vehicles. I went 3.6 w/ 6MT. Felt like a safer bet.

How long did you have the Talon? I had bought the Eagle Premier and I couldn't wait to get rid of it.

 

[offset_98]

How long did you have the Talon? I had bought the Eagle Premier and I couldn't wait to get rid of it.

Only kept it maybe 2 years. It kept having issues with throttle position sensors, stalling, not starting. My personal favorite was when it would "over boost" throw a CEL and leave me on the side of the road...again somehow relates to the TPS. I got a point where I loved it but said no more. At one point Chrysler was giving me a hard time about the TPS telling me my after market stereo messed with it. I'd had enough and dumped it for the 300ZX I still have today (as a garage queen).

 

[ViperJon]

Read the "Anyone have Turbo regret" thread this has been hashed, rehashed and regurgitated a thousand times.

 

[DanW]

Read the "Anyone have Turbo regret" thread this has been hashed, rehashed and regurgitated a thousand times.

Except that more people now have more miles on the turbo, so I like checking in now and then to see how they are doing. So far, so good!

 

[brazos]

I really didn’t have a choice. I have a good local dealer, and the next closest is 100 miles away.

I wanted to buy local, and I’m not wired for long waits.

I was ready to buy, and they only had 2.0 turbos on the lot. One problem solved.

I took the one that had my “must have” options: 8 speed, LSD, hardtop, towing, and maybe some others I’m forgetting.

Anyway, I flat LOVE the Turbo. It’s a rocket ship to me, after 20+ years of Cummins Duallys.

Mine has never tasted a drop of premium fuel. Runs great on regular.

I do agree that it is worrisome in its complicated nature. I have a plan to deal with that, though.

36 months, or 36,000 miles, it’s toast. I’ll just get me a new one.

 

[HealthRebel]

It really comes down to whether or not you like new technology. The v6 is proven older tech. The 2.0 is better but has not had the chance to prove longevity. people who choose the v6 will defend their decision to the death and the 2.0 buyers will do the same. Drive both and choose whichever one feels better.

I agree, but my concern is not so much the technology but with the quality of that technology. I am about to turn in my leased 2016 Mini Cooper S 6 spd. manual and purchase a 2019 or 2020 JLUR. My Mini has a 2.0 liter turbo built by BMW. Before that car, I had a 3-series, also with a 2.0 liter turbo. Both are GREAT engines. Smooth as silk and very responsive!!! My Mini Cooper has just over 40K miles on it now and I drive the sh*t out of that car. My 4th set of tires just went on it... yeah, at 40K miles. Not an once of trouble. What concerns me is that the 2.0 turbo from FCA doesn't have that quality feel or sound. I am hesitant to own it outside of warranty. Since I plan on holding on to my next Wrangler, I will go with the tried and true V6, which I also had in my 2012 Wrangler... with no issues. My thoughts are if you plan on leasing or trading your purchased Wrangler in before it goes out of warranty, then really consider the turbo. It does seem faster and you do NOT have to run premium fuel in it btw. But, if you are going to keep the JL past the warranty period, the V6 seems to be the smarter move.

 

[Fays4]

Drive both and buy what you want. I was dead set on the V6 until I drove them both back to back over and over for months. (Dealerships got tired of me) I ended up with the 2.0 turbo and so far I could not possibly be happier. And whoever claims the 2.0 idles rough is absolutely 100% dead wrong. You literally cannot tell that the motor is even on when sitting idle. Funny enough my wife and I both commented over and over when test driving them how rough the V6 felt at idle compared to the 2.0.

 

[DanW]

Drive both and buy what you want. I was dead set on the V6 until I drove them both back to back over and over for months. (Dealerships got tired of me) I ended up with the 2.0 turbo and so far I could not possibly be happier. And whoever claims the 2.0 idles rough is absolutely 100% dead wrong. You literally cannot tell that the motor is even on when sitting idle. Funny enough my wife and I both commented over and over when test driving them how rough the V6 felt at idle compared to the 2.0.

That's because the ESS shut it off, Lol! Honestly, it is subjective, but I've driven them back to back, too, and the 4 feels and sounds like a 4, to me. Still, it is a little rocket motor.

 

[Rogues Gambit]

3.6, comes with stick

 

[Dkretden]

I think that I am heading towards the 2.0 Turbo in a 2020 model this fall.

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